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舌を巻く (したをまく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
be astonished ; be amazed ; be deeply impressed
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to roll one's tongue', used when someone is so impressed or surprised that they are at a loss for words. Often used in the pattern 〜に舌を巻く.
I am amazed at how delicious that dish is.
Similar words 驚おどろ く A general verb for 'to be surprised'. 舌を巻く implies a stronger, speechless admiration or astonishment, often with a nuance of being deeply impressed.
感かん 心しん する Means 'to admire' or 'to be impressed', but is more straightforward and less vivid than 舌を巻く, which carries a stronger emotional impact.
Etymology The expression literally means 'to roll one's tongue', suggesting that one is so amazed that they cannot speak. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a long-established idiomatic phrase in Japanese.
